Tuesday, June 28, 2011
11 Weeks
I can't believe how fast time is flying, that one day these tiny hands will be bigger than mine!
Friday, June 24, 2011
A New Era
Today I moved most of the stuff out of my classroom at North Middle School. I have happily called it my home for the past three years, and I have to say it is very bittersweet. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade being able to stay home with Ryder next year for anything in the world! I feel so blessed that we are able to do that. It's not going to be easy, but I know we'll make it and be better off in the long run for it.
The truth of the matter is, I really do love teaching. Sometimes, I feel like I get so down about the pressures that go with teaching that I forget to enjoy what I've grown up wanting to do. There are always going to be that handful of students who do everything they possibly can to make things difficult, but there are more students who want to do good or at least will put forth the effort to get by. I know I've spent way too much of my time being concerned with the wrong group of students.
Most of all I'm going to miss North's staff. I've met the greatest mentors and made unbelievable friendships the past three years. I never thought I would teach middle school, still don't really want to teach that age group, but I know I was at North for a reason the past three years. Not only for the kids, but for me as well. I've grown there as both a teacher and as a person. It's been very full circle for me, attending school at North over 10 years ago, and then educating others there. I'm so thankful for it all!
The truth of the matter is, I really do love teaching. Sometimes, I feel like I get so down about the pressures that go with teaching that I forget to enjoy what I've grown up wanting to do. There are always going to be that handful of students who do everything they possibly can to make things difficult, but there are more students who want to do good or at least will put forth the effort to get by. I know I've spent way too much of my time being concerned with the wrong group of students.
Most of all I'm going to miss North's staff. I've met the greatest mentors and made unbelievable friendships the past three years. I never thought I would teach middle school, still don't really want to teach that age group, but I know I was at North for a reason the past three years. Not only for the kids, but for me as well. I've grown there as both a teacher and as a person. It's been very full circle for me, attending school at North over 10 years ago, and then educating others there. I'm so thankful for it all!
My New Genres
I know this sounds sort of strange, but since Ryder has been born, I've actually had more time to read than ever before. I've been really into both nonfiction and historical fiction here lately. And every book I've read I've loved. Currently, I'm reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society.
It was a little hard to get into, mainly because it was confusing, but I just love learning about WWII and how the world was during that time. Most of the books I've been reading are about this time period. I'm loving it! Below are some of the other nonfiction and historical fiction books I've recently read.
It was a little hard to get into, mainly because it was confusing, but I just love learning about WWII and how the world was during that time. Most of the books I've been reading are about this time period. I'm loving it! Below are some of the other nonfiction and historical fiction books I've recently read.
Typically, I'm an easy romantic comedy type girl. Now, I'm not saying that I don't still love those books, especially the higher quality ones, but the books I'm reading more of now have much more of a story to them. They are so much more real and more applicable to my life. I feel like I'm growing from learning about others.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Sewing Project #1
Last week I embarked upon my first sewing project: beanbags for our Cornhole game that got eaten by the rats in Michael's shop. I have to thank my good friends Becky DuBose and especially, Adrianne Cowan, for helping me with this.
Catching Up
Here are some random pictures I haven't had time to post!
Bathtime
Storytime
Cuddling with Mommy!
Sleepy
Ready to take a ride!
Naptime with Daddy!
Playing on my gym!
Ready for church
Couponing Week of June 19th
In order to stay at home next year, I have got to find ways to save money. Thanks to one of my best friends, Kayla Payne, one of the ways I am doing that is with couponing. "Couponing" is a LOT of work, but the rewards are amazing. This week I went to CVS to get a baby deal. Spend $25 in baby products and you get $10 in rewards back to use next week. Here is my haul:
I got $62.81 worth of stuff for $23.40. Pretty good considering that huge box of diapers cost that much normally. Plus i got over $20 back to spend next time I go in there. Since couponing has become so popular, the good deals have been harder to get. People are waiting at the stores Sunday morning to get the best stuff and the best deals run out quickly. I was happy that only one deal I wanted was gone this trip! It's the worst when you do all that work and others have cleared the shelves!
Ryder's First Swim
I can't say that Ryder exactly liked to swim, but he didn't dislike it either. He never cried, which I was shocked at. He even smiled and laughed a couple of times. I think he'll eventually like it!
Father's Day 2011
For Father's Day Ryder got his Daddy two BBQing cookbooks, an "I Love Daddy" mug, a mousepad full of his pictures, and a 22 rifle.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
A Few of My Favorite Things
10. Book Club. I love my little book club that has grown over the last 3 years! Not only is it an awesome excuse to see my friends, I've read new genres that I would have never read before. I love discussing the book AND everything else that is going on in our lives, and then finding out what the new books are! So much fun!
9. Sewing- Okay let's be honest, I just started. In fact I've only sewed once, but I just love the possibilities of it. Love that I can create, and the fabrics are sooo much fun!
8. Netflix- I've always loved the convenience of Netflix, but now that we have the Wii hooked up and get streaming movies instantly, I've become obsessed. I bet I've watched more movies the past month and I have the past year.
7. Saving Money! Even though couponing is a new trend, I've been doing it for over a year now and love it! I used to have no idea how much things cost, but now I can't stand to pay more than I know I've bought it for before. It's like a game. A very addictive game! I've walked out of Kroger with $120 worth of stuff for $22 and out of CVS with $73 worth of stuff for $.97!
6. Traveling- Disney World, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Chicago, Hilton Head- Just to name a few! I love making memories with my loved ones. I especially love trying new restaurants or old favorites that I hardly ever get to go to!
5. Trying new recipes- especially when they turn out right! And then of course blogging them. I love looking back on my blog. There is no way I would remember which recipes I liked and didn't like!
http://tnfoodie.blogspot.com
4. IPad/IPhone
From keeping up to Ryder's feedings to surfing Facebook, I have come to love everything Apple! It's plain and simple Apps make the world better. They're the ultimate instant gratification.
3. Kindle
I fought and fought against an e-reader. I love books... the way they smell and feel. I can't imagine a world without real books, so the thought of books moving in this direction scares me a little. But, after getting a Kindle app on my IPad and IPhone, I couldn't help wanting one. They're just so convenient. Any book I want in less than 60 seconds. And it really does read like a book and weighs about the same as one too. And to be honest it's easier to hold. I love that anywhere I am, whenever I get free time, I can get on my phone and start reading the book I was reading at home, and it syncs to the same spot! Genius!
2. Hanging out with my little family including my baby, puppies, and husband.
1. Ryder's Smile! I think this picture speaks for itself!
9. Sewing- Okay let's be honest, I just started. In fact I've only sewed once, but I just love the possibilities of it. Love that I can create, and the fabrics are sooo much fun!
8. Netflix- I've always loved the convenience of Netflix, but now that we have the Wii hooked up and get streaming movies instantly, I've become obsessed. I bet I've watched more movies the past month and I have the past year.
7. Saving Money! Even though couponing is a new trend, I've been doing it for over a year now and love it! I used to have no idea how much things cost, but now I can't stand to pay more than I know I've bought it for before. It's like a game. A very addictive game! I've walked out of Kroger with $120 worth of stuff for $22 and out of CVS with $73 worth of stuff for $.97!
6. Traveling- Disney World, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Chicago, Hilton Head- Just to name a few! I love making memories with my loved ones. I especially love trying new restaurants or old favorites that I hardly ever get to go to!
5. Trying new recipes- especially when they turn out right! And then of course blogging them. I love looking back on my blog. There is no way I would remember which recipes I liked and didn't like!
http://tnfoodie.blogspot.com
4. IPad/IPhone
From keeping up to Ryder's feedings to surfing Facebook, I have come to love everything Apple! It's plain and simple Apps make the world better. They're the ultimate instant gratification.
3. Kindle
I fought and fought against an e-reader. I love books... the way they smell and feel. I can't imagine a world without real books, so the thought of books moving in this direction scares me a little. But, after getting a Kindle app on my IPad and IPhone, I couldn't help wanting one. They're just so convenient. Any book I want in less than 60 seconds. And it really does read like a book and weighs about the same as one too. And to be honest it's easier to hold. I love that anywhere I am, whenever I get free time, I can get on my phone and start reading the book I was reading at home, and it syncs to the same spot! Genius!
2. Hanging out with my little family including my baby, puppies, and husband.
1. Ryder's Smile! I think this picture speaks for itself!
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